Sebastian Osigwe observed proceedings from the bench as his team Lugano sealed their passage to the final of the Swiss Cup via penalties on Thursday night.
Osigwe has made only seven appearances in all competitions for Lugano this season and one if those was in the Cup, but he was made to sit out the semi-final against holders Luzern at the Stadio di Cornaredo.
In the gruelling encounter the hosts shot in front quite late in the second after an initial goal (first half) was ruled out by VAR.
Zan Celar broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, but just when Lugano thought they were coasting home, the visitors responded in fine fashion.
An 89th minute equalizer through Silvan Sidler hushed the home crowd among the over 6,000 spectators on the night.
The goal forced the game into extra time and yet again the host, who had been dominant went ahead again for the second time.
Celar with his second just minutes into ET, scored from penalty spot to brighten his side’s chance of progress to the final.
Yet again just when Mattia Croci-Torti’s men thought they were home and dry, substitute Asumah Abubakar struck at the death.
The young Portuguese scored in the final minutes of ET to drag the game into shoot-out.
Eventually, Lugano will prevail, beating the stubborn opposition 4-3 in the shoot-out.
That victory sent Lugano into their 9th Cup final and this first since the 2015-16 season.
In the final Lugano will battle FC St. Gallen, previously one-time winners of the Swiss Cup.
Espen beat Swiss second division side Yverdon 2-0 on Thursday night.
The 2021-22 Swiss Cup final is scheduled for May 15.
